At the invitation of Guernsey Post, David Winnie, Chairman, was invited to attend a Reception on the 1st October to celebrate 50 years to the day since the Island’s postal service became independent. It was on 1 October 1969 that Guernsey broke away from Great Britain’s General Post Office to stand on its own two feet. A free exhibition to mark the fact is taking place at St. James throughout October. Spread over three floors including the stairway, it features 22 stamp issues that span the last 50 years.
Our Committee Member and local resident, John Triggs, was also in attendance together with his wife, and introduced me to the Chief Executive, Boley Smillie, Bridget Yabsley, Head of Philatelic and Dawn Gallienne, Head of Corporate Engagement who have been busy sorting through the original artwork of half a century’s worth of stamp designs with a view to choosing a selection to represent each decade.
This introduction provided a good opportunity for me to mention that the CISS will be 70 years old in 2020 and to celebrate, a long weekend has been arranged in Guernsey for our members from the 24th – 26th April next year. This was welcomed and Guernsey Post would like to support us with this event so “watch this space”.
The exhibition is well worth a visit and is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm until Thursday 31st October 2019. A free booklet is available to visitors at St. James.